Calendar

Daylong - Being with What's Here

“Just like the surfer doesn’t get to choose the wave, we don’t get to choose what arises and is known. But we can find a wise stance in relationship to what’s happening.”

~ Winnie Nazarko

From the website for Spirit Rock Meditation Center: “People come to Spirit Rock for many reasons, but they all amount to essentially the same thing—wanting a more easeful relationship with life.” Most people are surprised to discover that meditation is not always easeful, calm, peaceful, or whatever we expect it be. Just like life, meditation is blissful at times, agonizing at times, and everything in between.

It is a paradox in practice that the path to an abiding sense of ease passes right through the muck. We set aside our familiar strategies of avoiding, fixing, or figuring out the vicissitudes of life, and instead directly experience it all, just as it is.

We learn to surf the tide of this changing life by recognizing what is here, and how we relate to it, moment by moment. The focus of practice will be to recognize what is happening, and then take note of how it strikes us, as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Clearly seeing the simple truth of this, without being caught in reactivity, has a liberating effect.

This daylong will be led by Insight Meditation Tucson teacher David Bornstein. The day will consist of sitting and walking meditation, mindful inquiry, Q&A, and Dharma teachings.

Helpful Tips

Chairs are provided, and you are also welcome to bring sitting gear that supports you. For continuity of practice, we suggest bringing your lunch rather than leaving the retreat to dine out. You are welcome to bring a snack or tea to share. A refrigerator and a microwave will be available.

Parking is available in back lot, along 1st St west of 5th Ave or along 5th Ave between 1st and Speedway. Be mindful of parking permit signs.